Spitfire pilot is guest at air festival event

Alasdair McGregorA Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot will be the guest of honour at a special evening in support of the Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival.Alasdair McGregor

A Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot will be the guest of honour at a special evening in support of the Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival.

Flt Lt Tony Cooper, who lives in Oulton Broad, has accepted an invitation to attend a dinner, dance and cabaret evening at the Hotel Victoria, in Kirkley Cliff, Lowestoft, on March 14.

Now in his 90s, Mr Cooper can look back on a distinguished career in the RAF, having joined up 1937.

He became a fully qualified flying instructor and two years later he joined 64 Fighter Squadron as a senior flight lieutenant and flew Spitfires on 190 operational sorties.

One of the most important and memorable operations by the squadron was the protection of the allied invasion of France on D-Day in June 1944.

There are still some tickets remaining for the event at �27.50, which includes a three-course meal followed by a special cabaret and dancing. Dress code is black tie or dark suit and tie.

To order tickets, telephone Paul Bayfield on 01502 587027 or e-mail paul@lowestoftairfestival.co.uk